Invest in you.

‘This was hands down the best thing I have done in my piano journey - I can’t wait for the next one!’ S.C.

‘I was the least accomplished pianist in the group but didn't feel any less valued for that - thank you. I was a bit freaked out about the idea of duets and group sessions but actually, they were really fun and very beneficial!’ D.C.

‘The private lessons were spot on and I’m surprised at how much I improved in the short time frame. Lots of great tips and lots of enjoyment. I’m happy to recommend! Thank you.’ M.T.

The UME Adult Piano Retreat is a unique opportunity for adults to focus on piano study in a concentrated, creative and motivating environment.

The retreat is ideal for intermediate to advanced pianists* as well as piano teachers wishing to elevate their own piano skills. The combination of intensive practice as well as private and group lessons enables participants to improve their piano skills significantly in a short period of time.

*Due to major renovations, our Adult Piano Retreats are on a temporary hold.
Check back here for new dates for the second half of 2025!

*Wondering if you’re good enough? You probably are. The Retreat is not for complete beginners but if you have basic music reading ability and can play simple pieces, you fit the bill. We suggest a minimum of 1 year prior learning.

And are you too advanced? Probably not. The Retreat works well for those with excellent skills who just don’t have the time and brain space for dedicated piano time in their daily lives. All components are organised so that you work at – and improve - your own skills.

All lessons and workshops in 2025 will be run by UME Director Michelle Madder. Click here for a sample timetable.

Set within a private home on Sydney’s famous Northern Beaches, pianists can relax and refresh at the beach or in the gardens whilst enjoying the company of other adults who share their musical goals. The vibe is encouraging, relaxed and fun. There is no competitive element to the retreat - participants support each other in their individual pursuits.

Some of our participants are adults returning to the piano after having learned as a child. Some are music teachers and spend their waking moments researching pedagogy and strategies for their teaching. This retreat is not about that – in fact it provides the exact opposite – a time to switch off from teaching others and nurture your own piano skills. Whether you’d like to hone your pedalling technique, increase your dynamic range or get help creating great music from chord charts - this is your time to work on whatever you like.

The retreat is limited to 8 participants to ensure the best possible results and is open to anyone 18 years and over. Free choice repertoire is encouraged and supplementary repertoire will likely be suggested throughout the retreat. You are welcome to browse our extensive library of piano music over the weekend.

‘The vibe was relaxed, warm and so welcoming. I felt comfortable playing in front of everyone even when I made mistakes as it wasn’t a pressured performing environment.’ Karen H

  • Where

    Our retreats are held in Collaroy, Sydney NSW Australia, only a few blocks from both Collaroy and Long Reef beach and an easy walk to the start of the glorious Long Reef Headland Walk.

    We are a short stroll to the local shops of Collaroy where you’ll find a supermarket, a cinema, a bottle shop and an assortment of lovely local stores – as well as the famous pub.

    We are directly around the corner from the gorgeous ‘Al Fresco Emporium’ homeware store and café as well as an Indian restaurant & a couple of other cafes & businesses.

  • The property has large decks and gardens with ample seating. There are plenty of areas to socialise and to quietly reflect or read.

    Day 1 drinks and breaks throughout Days 2 and 3 take place on the deck or around the cosy indoor fireplace.

    Our light and airy classroom is our main area for group sessions and masterclass type teaching. It has a digital piano for each participant and an upright acoustic piano for shared use.

    Rooms within the home host a Yamaha Grand piano and several other digital pianos, all of which are used for acoustic / headphone practice sessions and duet rehearsals.

    Our wrap up at the end of each day takes place in the cozy ‘Fire room’ around the Grand Piano.

    Tea, coffee, water and bathroom facilities are available throughout the retreat.

  • What to Bring

    2 pieces of solo piano repertoire. These can be pieces you already play or would like to play and may be in any style. It’s helpful to have a couple of different levels of difficulty, so that we can focus on different things over the weekend. You will need to bring a copy for yourself (either digital or paper format) and you’ll also submit your potential pieces via our website the week before the retreat.

    Duet repertoire is provided but feel free to bring anything you’d particularly like to try out with a retreat partner.

    Clothing is comfy, neat and casual. If you’re preparing for a performance, bring your outfit and the shoes that you plan to wear so we can give them a trial run!

    A warm top is a good idea for cooler afternoons and evenings.

    Walking shoes and a hat are essential if you plan to do any of our lovely local coastal walks.

  • What's included

    2 x 30 minute private lessons - comprehensive lessons on your own choice of repertoire. Really master the pieces you’ve always wanted to play.

    2 x Sight reading classes - with all materials included, these classes will improve your rhythmic, chordal and melodic sight reading beyond what you thought possible. Get ready for both individual and ensemble reading!

    2 x ‘Frills and Flourishes’ (a fun scale class!) - with new ideas and a bunch of tips and tricks, this class will take your technical abilities to a new level.

    2 x Duet sessions - a range of pieces will be assigned according to the level of the participants. You’ll leave with some terrific new duets under your belt and have a ball playing them with new friends.

    8+ hours of dedicated practice time - to make sure you implement all your new learning before you go back to your ‘real life’. Use this time to focus on your solo pieces, rehearse a duet and bask in your improvement.

    Day 1 Drinks and Snacks - get to know your fellow pianists over drinks on the deck, or if it’s cold, around the indoor fire.

    Tea, Coffee and Water - you can take a break and make a cuppa whenever you like.

    Additional time - The classroom is available for optional after-hours practice in the evenings.

    Expertise - For 2024 retreats, all private and group sessions will be run by UME Director, Michelle Madder.

  • What's not included

    Overnight accommodation: To get the best from your Retreat experience, we suggest you stay as close by as you can! There are lots of good options and we’re happy to make individual suggestions.

    Transport: We are a 45 minute bus ride from the city of Sydney and only 20-30 minutes by bus to the famous Manly beach. The bus stop is literally around the corner. We are easily accessible by car, with free street parking. The nearest airport is Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.

    Saturday and Sunday lunch: You can bring your own lunch (fridge and microwave available) or visit one of the many cafes and take away options within walking distance.

    In the evenings you may like to go home for a rest, stay back and practice, or go out to a nearby restaurant. There are plenty of options and we’ll happily make suggestions and bookings for you.

  • Interested?

    To express interest in a retreat, and for costs and further info, please click on the ‘Enquire’ button below.

    Click here for a sample timetable.

    Make sure you let us know where you’re based and feel free to ask as many questions as you like.

    2024 RETREATS:

    January 18, 19, 20 (Booked out!)
    March 8, 9, 10
    Retreats later in the year will be announced soon.